Technology Pioneers

New technologies and innovations are constantly changing and improving the way we do things and approach problems. Processes, institutions and industries that have been around and unchanged for decades are now being rethought and redesigned with the aid of technology. Many of these adaptions and approaches are not being developed by large, established industry leaders, but rather by their smaller, early-stage counterparts.

This year, the World Economic Forum is pleased to present 24 leading start-ups selected as Technology Pioneers. Among the recipients are companies that are significantly improving diagnostics and health treatment; providing electricity to the off-grid underprivileged; pioneering low-cost computing; developing new visual, audio and sensor technologies; and embedding Internet of Things services.

Click here to explore the video interviews with our past Technology Pioneers going back to 2007.

The Forum's Technology Pioneers programme recognizes companies – normally in a start-up phase – from around the world that are involved in the design, development and deployment of new technologies, and are set to have a significant impact on business and society. Technology Pioneers must demonstrate visionary leadership and show signs of being long-standing market leaders – their technology must be proven.

Each year the World Economic Forum, after a rigorous process, selects about 30 companies from hundreds of applicants. A selection committee – comprised of top technology and innovation experts, academics, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, evaluates all candidates against the programme’s criteria before making its recommendation to the World Economic Forum.

Since 2000, around 600 innovative companies from five continents have been selected as Technology Pioneers. Among them, the majority are still thriving independently while others have been acquired by industry leaders. Here are the Technology Pioneers from | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 |

If you have any questions, please refer to Technology Pioneers Programme FAQ here.

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